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On Sunday, Nov. 1, Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s Joan Jacobs Signature Brunch returns to the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, honoring the legacy of San Diego philanthropist Joan Jacobs z”l. Now in its second year, the meaningful community gathering is inspired by Jacobs’ generosity and grace, with a keynote conversation featuring Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Marlee Matlin.
Matlin, the youngest performer ever to win the Best Actress Oscar for her 1986 debut in “Children of a Lesser God,” was the first deaf actor to win an Academy Award. She went on to co-star in the Best Picture winner “CODA” and is a proud member of the Jewish community. Matlin is also an author and a longtime advocate for the National Association of the Deaf and for people with disabilities.
The event is chaired by Elissa Davis, Daryl Gelender and Sally Shaps, who say of the event, “Joan Jacobs understood the power of bringing people together, and that spirit is at the heart of this special brunch. We are thrilled to welcome Marlee Matlin, whose extraordinary life and career are a testament to resilience, courage and the importance of making sure every voice is heard. We know her story will inspire our community, spark meaningful conversation, and remind us of what is possible when we embrace our differences and lift one another up.”
This year’s event will also present the Pauline Foster Leadership in Action Award to Samantha Gleiberman and Lauren Wax, who will be recognized for their leadership roles in the community.
Together, they are cultivating a new generation at JFS, bringing their friends to engage in their work at JFS and showing them what it means to be of service to community.
Gleiberman and Wax have built connection, dignity, and belonging for Safe Parking Program participants and families by organizing Halloween Trunk-or-Treat celebrations and large-scale holiday parties. The Safe Parking Program provides a safe and welcoming environment for unsheltered families and individuals living in their cars, many of whom have recently found themselves homeless for the first time.
“Pauline understood that building a stronger community starts with bringing people together,” says Marcia Hazan, Pauline Foster’s daughter. “Samantha and Lauren are carrying that spirit forward by engaging their friends and creating opportunities to bring joy and connection to families in JFS’s Safe Parking Program. Their leadership reminds us that when we come together with purpose and compassion, we can make a meaningful difference.”
The Joan Jacobs Signature Brunch opens with an Underwriter Meet & Greet with Matlin from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by brunch and a moderated conversation from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets are $150 and available at jfssd.org.
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